You have your resume completed and you want to get a cover letter developed to send along with it. Should you use the same one you used for past onsite jobs? The answer would be no.
Onsite jobs are different than telecommuting jobs. Not only do you not commute to work for a telecommuting position, but employers are also looking for slightly different things from a person who will work from home.
Since cover letters help sell you to the employer, then the cover letter you send with your telecommuting resume should be much different than the ones you have used in the past for onsite jobs. You need to sell them on those things that hiring managers are looking for in a telecommuting applicant.
So, what do they look for?
Home office setup What does your home office contain? Do you have what the job position requires you to have? Most employers want to know that you have everything you need or at least the major components, such as computer, high speed internet etc.
Why are you the right person for the job? Tell them what makes you be the person that should be hired for the job. Use statements like, “I have 6 years experience as a web designer, so I know…”
Avoid telling them anything that they don’t want to hear Most people want to work from home to be with their kids or because they’re tired of commuting. You’re not alone there, but employers don’t want to know that. You will just appear desperate for a job and could make them lose their interest in you fast; even if you have 20 years experience doing the job.
Give them what they do want Most job ads will list requirements that the prospective employee should have before they’ll consider hiring you. Tell them that you have those requirements, listing them in your cover letter. The resumes that get more attention are the ones that have what they’re looking for. The cover letter will get them to want to check out your resume. The ones that don’t may end up getting deleted.
Research the company, if possible You may find that the company’s motto relates to an achievement you have. For example, let’s say a company has a motto about caring for their customers. If you have an achievement award for best customer service excellence, then the hiring manager should know that. Show them that you fit their mold. It also shows them that you did your homework.
Always keep in mind that any job that will done from home will most likely be a position that hundreds, if not thousands, will also be applying for. You will need to stand out from that crowd to get noticed.
Take your time creating your telecommuting cover letter. Don’t be afraid to sell yourself to grab the employer’s attention. Without an effective cover letter, your resume probably will sit on a computer’s hard drive unread or get deleted.
Author Resource:
Nell Taliercio has been working at home full time since 2004. She’s worked as a telecommuter, virtual assistant and affiliate marketer. In 5 years she’s discovered many secrets to finding legitimate work at home jobs and securing them. You can find work at home job information and tips at: http://www.justonlinejobs.com